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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Last week I wrote about a handful of Senators attempting to block the Veterans Jobs Corps Act of 2012 - a bill that would have put a lot of veterans to work and would also make it easier for future generations of veterans to transition to civilian life. When it came time to move this bill forward on the floor of the Senate 40 Republican Senators voted against doing so and have all but killed the bill. This bill isn't perfect, but with 9/11-era veterans experiencing unemployment 3 percentage points higher than the general population, mainly due to their service, this bill would have put a lot of them to work to help close that gap. It also contained measures to pay for the program. The Republicans have presented no reasoning why they don't support this bill beyond misunderstanding/representing the budgeting measure or complaining that the House won't pass it anyway so why bother. Way to take leadership. Of these 40 heroes, only 4 are up for reelection in November. Here's the whole list of Senators who voted against it (since it's not all that easy to get a permanent link at the Thomas Library):

It's incredible that those who happily reap the benefits of LIBERty granted by our service women and men are so quick to throw them under the nearest bus when it comes to actually supporting the troops once they return from the battle, save wearing lapel pins and waving the Stars & Stripes.

They must be part of the 47% - "dependent victims" defending the lives and freedoms of the "true" Americans.

This was blocked becasue it was unconstitutional. All bills dealing with budget matters must originate in the house and since it did not it therefore is unconstitutional. . .and therefore weren't these Senators just protecting the constitution?

Not in the least anonymous. There's a very narrow definition of "revenue" per Article 1, Section 7. I misspoke in my previous post on this act in describing the method of payment as a tax - it's a levy on unpaid taxes. The levy is also used to pay for a specific program and not revenue for the general funds. While the House is within its rights to refuse such legislation from the Senate, if they did consider and pass this bill there is no precedent for a court to strike it down based on the Origination Clause. It's not applicable here.

"Traitor." One who betrays the trust of his country, friend or principles. These Republicans are traitors as they have betrayed their trust to our country and the very very few American heroes (veterans) that have fought for us. They have no shame. They have no conscience. They don't give a damn. Let's remember this when it is time for reelection.

That's taking it too far. With an all-volunteer force, the government has contractual obligations with its veterans. Then there are things that Congress should do. I think this is one of them. But those that vote against it are not traitors. Bad policy or bad politics does not become treason.

However, come voting time this vote is something the electorate should keep in mind when analyzing Congress's say/do gap.

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